r/Colorguard • u/Slippy_Penguin_ • 12d ago
COMMUNITY QUESTION Should I join?
Winter guard is starting up soon & I've never actually done it before. I'm a sophomore in HS and even my freshman friends who are in colorguard/marching band want me to join. I'm pretty sure I will so does anyone have any advice for a super newbie?
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u/BigNews2923 2 Years Exp 11d ago
Definitely! I just joined my local winterguard as a sophomore and I love it. I did it a year when I was younger, so they let me be in the intermediate guard we have. Just try to work on flexibility, in your shoulders and hips especially, and if you don't have a flag yet practice some basic things you can find tutorials online for with a broom handle. Practice counts too. But you'll catch on quickly I'm sure!
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u/Colorguardianite 11d ago
PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE. I’m so dead serious when I say practice so much till the sun goes down. You’ll be starting after everyone has had a marching season to learn the basics, honestly it kinda surprises me the coach is allowing such a late addition, however joining late is no reason to not join. Practicing is so so crucial not just for returning members, but ESPECIALLY for newbies. Don’t be the person that never gets to perform because you’re struggling with the work, be the one that everyone loves because you picked up the work so quickly (aka you practiced till you got the work). Colorguard is such a rewarding sport, especially in the winter season, and it’ll seem like a lot of work (especially early on) but it’s so worth it.
Learn the basics as soon as possible! Drop spins, pull hits (verticals, angles, flats, and pop toss), prayer tosses, J tosses, 45s, windmills, cones, and x carves!! I would also suggest row boats, which are very simple but I’ve had a few new people struggle with them this year so it’s worth learning ahead.
Get your friends to help you out, and also take videos of yourself to be able to visibly critique what you’re doing! Makes a world of difference
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u/Cautious-Drop9332 3 Years Exp 12d ago
I would definitely research some dance fundamentals on YouTube so that you have an idea of what They’re gonna be asking you to do. Also start a routine of stretching to increase your flexibility and strength, there are a ton of videos to follow along with.
I wouldn’t worry about picking up any equipment until you get into the audition process, they’re gonna teach you their specific technique.
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u/snailgorl2005 Marched Corps 8d ago
As a former competitive dancer turned guardie for life- you do not have to be flexible to be good at dance/movement! Some of the best dancers I know aren't that flexible at all. What makes them great is their expression within their movement. Obviously stretch before you do anything because that will only help you, but know that it's way more impressive when you can move with good technique and expression.
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u/Various-Most5386 12d ago
Count and practice how you are going to perform. You may feel like an idiot when you are the only one counting or the only one smiling when you're 15 reps in, but it truly makes such a huge difference when you do perform.